Through two weeks of the 2025 college football season, Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer has gone from a dark horse rising up the ranks to a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender. Week 1 was a great warm-up game, but it was after a statement performance against Michigan that made Mateer surge up the Heisman odds boards. And with his unique combination of production, leadership, and fearlessness, he might just stay there all season, even win it.
John Mateer Can Win the Heisman in 2025
From Pac-12 Star to SEC Spotlight
Mateer transferred to Oklahoma from Washington State this offseason, following offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle. At WSU, he put up eye-popping numbers: 3,139 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, 826 rushing yards, and 15 rushing touchdowns during the 2024 regular season. He led the FBS in total touchdowns responsible for with 44 — more than any other player in the country. Not many knew how elite he was at WSU because of the strength of competition and the West Coast time zones. He did face some skeptical opponents, but the talent was evident throughout the season.
His 15 rushing scores set a school record for a Washington State quarterback, and he did it while completing nearly 65 percent of his passes. That dual-threat capability made him a nightmare for defenses, mainly against Mountain West teams, since the PAC-12 went to only two teams. Now, entering the SEC, he brings a dynamic skill set that few defenses in the conference are prepared for. It’s his mobility, arm talent, and mix of that fearless demeanor that has analysts buzzing.
A Heisman Moment in Week 2
Mateer’s Heisman case got a massive boost in Oklahoma’s Week 2 win over Michigan. Facing a top-ranked opponent on a national stage, he accounted for three total touchdowns, one through the air and two on the ground, while throwing for 270 yards and rushing for 74 more. He was poised, efficient, and electric, showing off the kind of all-around impact that defines Heisman winners.
That performance vaulted him to the top of several Heisman odds trackers. What started as a +2500 longshot before the season, with many unknowns, has turned into a +800 favorite on some sportsbooks by Week 3. The Heisman market fluctuates so much, especially early on in the year, but the signs are pointing in the right direction for his name to be a mainstay in the conversation. Even though we know the award is won in the November slate of games, Mateer has clearly captured the attention of voters and oddsmakers alike.
A Triple-Threat Quarterback
SEC coaches are already taking notice. One opposing defensive coordinator described Mateer as “a triple threat” — someone who can throw, scramble, and execute designed runs. That versatility is rare, even in today’s college football landscape. This is what defensive coordinators call a plus-one weapon when the quarterback has the dual-threat ability that Mateer does. It forces defenses to prepare for multiple dimensions and puts constant pressure on every level of the defense.
What makes Mateer particularly dangerous is that he’s not just mobile, he’s decisive and aggressive. He’s not afraid to attack downfield, he knows when to escape the pocket, and he isn’t shy about lowering his shoulder near the goal line. That style of play, combined with Arbuckle’s creative offensive system, creates a quarterback who is always a threat to make a game-changing play. His game is eerily similar to a Brett Favre back in his Green Bay days, although not comparing the actual players, more so the style of play.
Leadership That Elevates the Team
Beyond the stats, Mateer has quickly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches in Norman. This is the area where quarterbacks make or break their careers. If you don’t have the respect and leadership abilities to elevate your team, you’re dead in the water. Especially in this day and age of the transfer portal/NIL money, players can have a harder time gaining their footing in a new place.
Mateer, though, made this an emphasis all off-season long. He knew he had to grow his voice in that locker room, and the quickest way to do that was putting his head down and getting to work. He earned their trust pretty fast when he was the one leading off-season workouts, and that’s evidently why he got chosen to wear that “C” on his chest.
He’s not the loudest guy in the room, but when he speaks, others listen. His work ethic, poise under pressure, and commitment to team culture have been praised internally and externally. In short, he leads like a veteran, and that maturity has made his transition to Oklahoma seamless.
The One Concern: Durability
Mateer’s playing style is also the biggest question mark in his Heisman campaign. His style can be his biggest attribute, but also be his downfall. At 6-foot-1 and 224 pounds, he’s not the biggest quarterback in the SEC, and his physical rushing style comes with some risk.
He logged 178 rushing attempts last season, which ultimately ended up the fifth-most among FBS quarterbacks. That’s a lot of attempts for a running back, never mind a quarterback that is also asked to operate the offense and throw 30+ times a game. In a loaded SEC, filled with talented defenses, he’ll have to learn more about picking his spots of when to run and incorporate more sliding into his game.
As one coach put it, “The human body can only take so many hits.” Mateer’s ability to stay healthy over a full SEC schedule will be critical to his Heisman hopes and Oklahoma’s playoff aspirations.
Why He Can Win It All
Mateer checks nearly every box for a Heisman candidate. He puts up elite stats. He delivers in big moments. He leads with confidence and maturity. And now, he has put the Oklahoma Sooners back on the map for the first time since they joined the SEC. If he stays healthy and continues the ascension for this Sooners team, there’s no reason he can’t bring another Heisman Trophy back to Norman.
His early-season rise has been no fluke: it’s the result of talent, preparation, and an aggressive, confident approach to the game. Plenty more to prove and see, but Mateer looks to be here to stay. Does this look like a similar Heisman-winning quarterback with the same initials and energetic style? Shall I say Johnny Football 2.0? The 2025 Heisman race is heating up, but John Mateer seems to already be in the driver’s seat.
Main Image: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
